Rick Keating, Attorney at Law - Lafayette, LA

Compassionate Financial Relief and Bankruptcy Advocacy

Experiencing severe financial hardship can be a deeply isolating and stressful ordeal. For individuals, families, and business owners across Acadiana, the mounting weight of credit card debt, medical bills, and collector phone calls can feel insurmountable. At The Keating Firm, APLC, veteran bankruptcy attorney D. Patrick Rick Keating provides compassionate, non-judgmental guidance designed to help clients look beyond their current economic struggles. With more than thirty-five years of dedicated legal practice, this Lafayette-based firm is built on a fundamental belief: there is life after debt. Whether you need to file for Chapter 7 liquidation, reorganize under Chapter 13, or find an experienced debt relief lawyer, the firm is prepared to evaluate your situation and craft a personalized path toward financial recovery.

Strategic Chapter 7 Liquidation Services

For many individuals, Chapter 7 bankruptcy offers the fastest and most comprehensive path to a clean slate. Also known as liquidation bankruptcy, Chapter 7 allows eligible debtors to eliminate most forms of unsecured debt, including credit card balances, medical liabilities, and personal loans. Rick Keating assists clients through every phase of this process, beginning with the critical means test to determine eligibility. By guiding clients through the meticulous documentation of assets and income, the firm ensures that qualifying assets are fully protected under Louisiana exemption laws. When you find a bankruptcy attorney in Lafayette with this depth of experience, you can file with confidence, knowing that your immediate financial burdens can be completely discharged while keeping your essential belongings intact.

Reorganizing with Chapter 13 Debt Adjustment

If you have a steady income but have fallen behind on your mortgage, vehicle payments, or other secured obligations, Chapter 13 bankruptcy provides a powerful alternative. Instead of liquidating assets, Chapter 13 allows you to consolidate your outstanding debts into a manageable, court-supervised three-to-five-year repayment plan. A primary benefit of this filing is the immediate activation of the automatic stay, which legally stops foreclosure proceedings, prevents vehicle repossessions, and halts creditor harassment. Rick Keating works closely with clients to construct realistic repayment plans that align with their household budgets. This structured plan not only helps protect your family home but also allows you to systematically resolve arrears and wipe out remaining unsecured debts at the end of the plan duration.

Business Reorganization and Chapter 11 Planning

Local business owners facing economic downturns or operational disruptions do not have to close their doors. Chapter 11 bankruptcy offers a strategic framework for commercial enterprises and high-net-worth individuals to reorganize their financial structures while remaining fully operational. The Keating Firm, APLC provides the sophisticated counsel needed to negotiate with creditors, modify lease agreements, and optimize cash flow during a corporate restructure. Acting as a trusted corporate debt relief partner, Rick Keating assists businesses in navigating complex federal filing requirements to restore long-term commercial viability.

Stop Creditor Harassment Immediately

One of the most immediate benefits of hiring a professional debt relief attorney is putting a stop to invasive collection tactics. From the moment you retain The Keating Firm, APLC and initiate your legal filing, the federal court issues an automatic stay. This order forbids creditors from contacting you, filing lawsuits, or pursuing wage garnishments. Rick Keating and his dedicated team serve as your buffer, handling all creditor communications so you can focus on rebuilding your life. They provide straightforward answers, realistic expectations, and low upfront stress, making sure you are treated with the dignity and respect you deserve throughout your financial transition.